Slavery By Frederick Douglass Summary Chapter 1

In chapter one, Douglass begins his life from birth when he was immediately taken from his mother, Harriet Bailey. He explains how this is a common practice among several slave owners. Its intent is to break any bond between the mother and child. Douglass’s master is Captain Anthony, who had two sons (Richard and Andrew) and one daughter, Lucretia (married to Captain Thomas Auld). They all lived on a central plantation that is owned by Colonel Lloyd, Captain Anthony is employed by him as his superintendent. The central area of the plantation is referred to as “Great House Farm” among the slaves because it resembles a small village. They sang songs while there, Douglass comments on how he did not understand their meaning at first but now knows that they’re a complaint about slavery. As a child, Douglass did not work the fields yet because children were viewed as too weak, but he did other tasks that involved severing the children on the plantation. Then at about the age of eight Douglas is sent to Baltimore to work for Hugh Auld (Captain Thomas Auld’s bother). While there, he is surprised by the kindness of his new mistress, Sophia Auld (she later becomes cruel). She taught him the alphabet and some words. In this chapter Douglass realizes what he must do

Everyone fears becoming Master Andrew’s property because of his cruelty (he had kicked a slave in the head until he bled). He is then sent live at Thomas Auld’s house, where he works in the kitchen. Auld is a cruel and horrible owner, he justifies his actions with his newfound pity from attending a Methodist camp. He sent Douglass to Edward Covey, who “breaks” slaves. He gets into a fight with Covey, which causes him to gain his spirit back. In the new year he is sent to Mr. Freeland. During this time Douglass begins to organize and plan his escape. But his plan was failed because someone told the